Chemical Engineering, Ph.D.
Chemical engineering is a rapidly expanding field that requires interdisciplinary researchers educated in the molecular, chemical, physical and medical sciences. Our Chemical Engineering Ph.D. program addresses critical challenges at the intersection of molecular design, process innovation, and societal impact. Through rigorous research that spans from fundamental science to applied engineering solutions, our doctoral students contribute to advancing knowledge in these key areas:
Sustainable Engineering Track
Our research advances environmentally responsible technologies and systems that minimize resource consumption, reduce carbon emissions, and promote circular economy principles to address global climate challenges.
Faculty: Bui, Hartman, Hidalgo, Kots, Mallapragada, Modestino, Taylor
Health Engineering Track
We develop innovative biomedical devices, drug delivery, diagnostic technologies, and healthcare systems that improve patient outcomes, enhance medical treatment efficacy, and expand access to quality healthcare solutions.
Faculty: Hubbell, Kim, Levicky, Montclare, Pinkerton, Riedo
Material Science Track
We explore the design, synthesis, fundamental understanding and characterization of advanced materials with tailored properties for applications including energy storage, electronics, biomaterials, structural composites, functional coatings, and beyond.
Faculty: Arnold, Aydil, Bui, Hidalgo, Kots, de Pablo, Pine, Pinkerton, Rauscher, Riedo, Sahu, Taylor, Teraoka
Urban Science Track
Tandon Ph.D. students can specialize their studies in chemical engineering with a focus on urban science through a collaborative arrangement with the Center for Urban Science + Progress.
Admission Requirements
A BS degree in chemical engineering or a related field of science or engineering is generally required for admission to graduate study. If you earned a bachelor’s degree from a foreign institution, you must submit TOEFL scores. Submitting Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores is optional. Applicants with degrees in other fields or from other colleges may be admitted with undergraduate or graduate deficiencies as evaluated by the graduate adviser. You will need to have had at least one course in differential equations.
Find out more about Admission Requirements.
Curriculum
Each doctoral candidate must complete a minimum of 75 credits of academic work past the bachelor’s degree, including a minimum of 36 credits of dissertation research, to complete the Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering program. A minimum of 30 graduate credits beyond the bachelor’s degree (not including Ph.D. dissertation and non-dissertation research credits) are required in chemical engineering or related subjects. Of the 30 credits, 12 are to be taken as part of the required graduate core courses in Chemical Engineering and 18 are taken as electives. For electives: at least 3 electives (9 credits) are to be chosen from approved CBE courses, 6000-level and above. The remaining electives need to be selected in consultation with and with the explicit approval from the chemical engineering graduate adviser. In addition to the required coursework, attendance is required at departmental colloquia.
Students must also pass a comprehensive qualifying examination in chemical engineering and present a doctoral dissertation. The qualifying exam is given once a year. Additional details on the qualifying examination will be provided by the graduate adviser.
To meet graduation requirements, students must have an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher, excluding dissertation credits, and must not obtain a grade of C or lower in more than two required core courses.
A student who has earned graduate level credits and/or been awarded an MS degree should consult with the graduate adviser for course registration and possible credit transfer.
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Academic Director
Jin Ryoun Kim
